(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Second Lieutenant (Air Corps) William Russell Grounds (ASN: 0-809129), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a Fighter Airplane of the 389th Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. The gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty demonstrated by Second Lieutenant Grounds, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.